The Human Abstract: Structure & Language Techniques

Structure of “The Human Abstract”:

Utilizes a AABB rhyme scheme in each 6-line stanza, creating a simple, childlike flow reflective of the nurturing ‘parent’ figure developed.
Shifts from pastoral and harvest imagery in the first two stanzas to frightening and gothic tones in the last two, mirroring the transition from innocence to the experience.

Language Techniques in “The Human Abstract”:

Employs extended metaphors, where the tree is representative of the human condition: branches are ‘mystery’, roots ‘sorrow’, and fruits ‘deceit’.
Anthropomorphic language skillfully converges human attributes with natural features, such as “The Gods of the earth and sea” and “Green and pleasant”.
Uses alliteration to underscore negative aspects of human nature, as can be seen in ‘wailing woe’ and ‘dreadful’.
Applies irony to underscore Blake’s critical perspective on religious institutions extorting the virtues of mercy, pity, peace, and love to manipulate the masses.